My California Dream
by Charlie Presta
1957 T-1 Coupe numbers matching all original body panels (hood, doors, deck lid)
The pans and battery box have been replaced, and spots in the trunk and engine bay also.
Normal engine punched out to 1725cc and a few other little goodies to go along with.
Meissen Blue with saddle leather interior is the original color combo. The car
started its life in California under the ownership of Don Gilbert for 30 plus years.
Don worked his way back to the Midwest where he landed in Michigan. This is
where I found the car, I think I may be the third owner. Shipped the car to
California where I met some very wonderful people over the years.
The car has been through a total nut and bolt restoration.
Under the direction of Dave Pollard RESTORATION WORKS (body/paint and assembly) Chico, CA,
Craig Smith (engine/trans and mechanical) Morro Bay, CA, Roy Nielsen (interior/trim)
Cambria, CA, and many other along the way. This could not have happened if it weren't
for my extended family in California. Mike Allen, Bob Lee, Pete McNaulty and Jeff Trask
and their wives (olive garden). Test driving the car up and down over and out the
California coast was a BLAST. First show it took top honors in its class, 29th annual
Chico Concours d'Elegance.
The car now is back in Wisconsin to enjoy the Midwest roads. A Coupes are getting
harder to find. The car speaks for itself very little was spared. I also have a 1964
C coupe Silver/Blue normal, outstanding driver in WI and a 1968 912 in El Cajon,Ca.
I don't know where all this craziness started I had Corvettes when I was growing up.
Maybe Carmella's pasta sauce, God rest her soul.
Ciao!!
Charlie